American Legion is 105 years old

The American Legion was formed in 1919 and is the largest veterans’ organization in the United States.

American Legion Post 54 is located at 403 E. Bridge Avenue in Saratoga and hosts an annual Veterans’ Day Dinner at their post. James Olguin is the commander and Joe Parsons is the adjutant of the post.

The American Legion is also known as the Angus England Post 54 and was named after Saratoga resident and World War I sharpshooter Richard Angus England.

The local post began the fundraiser for Never Forget Park when it was still called Tyler Pickett Park before being renamed. SSG Pickett was killed in Iraq on June 8, 2008 and is the only Carbon County resident to have lost his life in the Iraq War.

The park is finally coming to fruition thanks to efforts by the American Legion, Never Forget Park committee, the Town of Saratoga, Bridge Street Bargains, donations by community members and grants written by local resident Stacy Crimmins.

The American Legion is active in the community including color guard during Memorial Day services, funeral services for veterans, leading the Fourth of July Parade, the annual Christmas Parade of Lights and most recently a baseball team.

To be eligible for the membership in the American Legion, a veteran must have served at least one day of federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941 and was honorably discharged. Active duty members are also eligible.

The American Legion has an active auxiliary and active Sons of American Legion.

To learn how to become a member of the Legion, Auxiliary or Sons of American Legion, contact the Legion at 307-326-9600.